Lufthansa is planning to place a double-digit order for new business jets in the next three months for its Lufthansa Private Jet operation as demand for the premium service continues to soar. The Star Alliance carrier will not be drawn on the type of aircraft it plans to acquire, but the business jets are likely to be in the superlight and mid-size cabin class as they provide an adequate range for the for a majority of trips demanded by LPJ customers.
Despite the huge backlogs at many of the major manufacturers, Lufthansa says it is hopeful that it will receive its first aircraft in the second quarter of the year. The aircraft will have a tailored livery and interior design reflecting the Lufhansa brand.
LPJ began services in 2005 with fractional ownership provider NetJets Europe from whom it acquired a fixed number of charter hours on its business jet fleet. The operation was as an attempt by the German flag carrier to build on the success of its all-premium transatlantic operation by offering a business-jet feeder service in Europe and Central Asia. The service was offered in conjunction with Lufthansa scheduled flights and designed to connect premium passengers to and from Lufthansa's major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.
"The service was a phenomenal success attracting up to 10 customers per day," says the carrier. However the relationship with NetJets began to sour when increasing numbers of Lufthansa passengers began using the service to connect to and from other European such as St Petersburg to Nice. "More than half of the flights were not coming or going to the major hubs," Lufthansa admits. This added commitment put a strain on NetJets resources and consequently on its relationship with Lufthansa. NetJets ended the agreement in August last year and performed the last flight for LPJ in December.
"We hadn't realised how popular this service would become," says Lufthansa.
Until the new aircraft enter service German charter company DCA Aviation has been contracted to provide flights for LPJ customers. "We will continue to use DCA and other charter partners after our aircraft enter service," says Lufthansa. "There will be times when we need an aircraft with longer range or a larger cabin and we canot provide it. We will also need cover during peak times."
Source: Flight International
